Top Five Rafting Trips For Families in 2020
A Multi-Day River Trip Is The Perfect Family Vacation
Angels Camp, Calif. — OARS has been perfecting family adventure vacations for more than 50 years, and this year is no different.
“OARS is a second-generation family-owned and -operated rafting outfitter and, as parents ourselves, we appreciate the importance of spending quality time together as a family and the value of a hassle-free vacation experience,” says Steve Markle, OARS vice president of sales and marketing. “Multi-day rafting trips give busy parents (and kids) the chance to hit the pause button on technology and reconnect as a family over shared adventures in the wild—no cell service, no wifi, no problem. River trips are also all inclusive, which means you don’t have to think about what to do each day, where to eat or what to cook. All you have to do is relax and have fun with your kids. For family fun, nothing beats a river trip.”
Ready to kick back, relax and soak in every smile, laugh and special moment the trip throws your way? Here’s the OARS round-up of top five trips for families in 2020.
Green River Rafting through the Gates of Lodore, CO/UT
“For parents, it’s amazingly relaxing. Why would anyone go to Disney World? We can’t wait to get back on the river.” —Peggy from Rutland, VT
Highlights:
- Ideal trip for families and first time rafters
- Deep canyons and stunning red rock scenery
- Numerous Class II-III rapids
- Prehistoric fossils, ancient American Indian ruins and Wild West hangouts
3, 4 or 5 Days | May – September | Minimum Age: 7 (12 at high water) | From $824/person*
San Juan River, UT
“I can’t say enough good things about this trip. At the takeout ramp—before we even got in the car to drive back to our hotel—our addicted to video games 7-year-old asked when we could go back and do it again.” —Sara, mom of three from Granby, CT
Highlights
- Float along the edge of Bears Ears National Monument
- Family-friendly rapids and warm water
- Impressive Native American cliff dwellings and well-preserved rock art
- Camp on pristine, secluded beaches
4, 5 or 6 Days | March – July | Minimum Age: 4 (7 at high water) | From $999/person*
Gorges of the Lower Salmon River, ID
“It is a gift to be “unplugged” for five days and four nights. Great guides—great family adventure.” ——WMerrill from Healdsburg, CA
Highlights:
- Exciting Class III whitewater
- Riverside camping on sandy beaches
- Abundant wildlife including river otters and bighorn sheep
- Warm water to swim and play in
4 or 5 Days | July – September | Minimum Age: 7 (10 at high water) | From $1049/person*
Rogue River, OR
“Watching a 7-year-old fearlessly jump from the rocks, an 11- and 14-year-old paddling the rapids and jumping from rocks, trekking up creeks, trying unfamiliar food, and playing with new friends was so satisfying. Add gorgeous scenery, beautiful rapids, bald eagles, osprey and otters…well, you just cannot top this adventure.” —Ema from Chatanooga, TN
Highlights:
- Waterfalls, historical sites and abundant wildlife
- Enjoy Class III whitewater
- Great hiking, fishing and swimming
- Beautiful sandy beaches for camping
3, 4 or 5 Days | May – September | Minimum Age: 7 | From $799/person*
South Fork American River, CA
“My kids had permanent grins for weeks afterward and retold their adventure to everyone they knew. We had so much fun, my kids want to make this an annual trip.” —Glenn the Paddler from Santa Cruz, CA
Highlights:
- Raft 21 miles over two days
- Swim through fun rapids and calm pools
- Paddle exciting Class III rapids
- Camp at OARS riverside campground with showers, restrooms and camp store
2 Days | April – September | Minimum Age: 8 (12 at high water) | From $269/person
*Save up to $200 when you’re one of the first four to book by March 31, 2020 and reference “premier pricing.”